Allowed in EU

2,3-Butanediol

A cosmetic ingredient used as fragrance, humectant, skin conditioning in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

2,3-Butylene Glycol

What does it do?

2,3-Butanediol is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Fragrance

    provides scent or masks the natural odour of other ingredients

  • Humectant

    draws moisture from the air or deeper skin layers to the surface, helping skin retain water

  • Skin conditioning

    improves the appearance, feel, and condition of skin

  • Solvent

    dissolves other ingredients into a uniform liquid phase

EU regulatory status

2,3-Butanediol is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

What is 2,3-Butanediol?

2,3-Butanediol is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 2,3-Butylene Glycol

Is 2,3-Butanediol allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. 2,3-Butanediol is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does 2,3-Butanediol do in cosmetic products?

2,3-Butanediol is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: fragrance, humectant, skin conditioning, solvent.

What is the CAS number of 2,3-Butanediol?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for 2,3-Butanediol is 513-85-9, 5341-95-7, 24347-58-8.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 12/07/2019